Ben Carter
Candles can be expensive, so it's frustrating when the wick breaks or becomes too short to light. Luckily, there are several ways to rewick a candle. One quick fix is to use a match or a makeshift paper or wooden wick to burn off some of the wax. If you're using a match, simply break off the match head and stab the match into the wax next to the wick. If you're using a paper wick, roll up a scrap of paper tightly and dip it in wax before placing it next to the original wick. If the wick is buried under wax, you can use a spoon or a butter knife to carefully scrape away the wax until the wick is exposed.
Rewicking a candle
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to rewick a candle | When the wick is covered in wax or too short to light |
| What to use | Paper, wooden, or cotton ball wick |
| How to rewick | Melt wax, scrape old wick, insert new wick, and trim |
| Other methods | Using a matchstick or a hot needle |
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What You'll Learn
Use a matchstick as a new wick
If your candle has a short or broken wick, you can use a matchstick as a new wick. To do this, take a match and break off the match head. Stab the matchstick into the wax next to the existing wick. The matchstick will become a new wick and will burn well.
You can also use a paper wick as a temporary solution. Roll up a small piece of paper tightly and dip it in wax. Hold it in place with tweezers so it doesn't unroll. Once the paper wick is coated in wax, let it cool and harden. Then, place the new wick beside the old one and press the bottom into the wax.
If you want to remove the old wick, you can use a hot needle or a long nail to heat up and poke through the candle along the original wick. Alternatively, you can melt the wax and then dig out the wick.
It's important to note that matches and paper are flammable, so use caution when burning candles with these types of wicks.
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Melt wax with a wax warmer or double boiler
If your candle is in a glass jar, you can use a wax warmer or a candle warmer to melt the wax. Alternatively, you can set up a double boiler. First, fill a pot with water and put it on to boil. Then, place a metal bowl or another pot inside the first one so it's just touching the boiling water. Place the wax inside the second bowl and stir it frequently until it melts. You can also use the wax from your old candle for this.
If your candle is in a glass jar, a coffee cup warmer or candle cosy can be used to heat the wax to a temperature that will melt and release the fragrance. Candles last longer this way and it's safer.
Once the wax has melted, you can insert a new wick. If you are using a paper wick, wrap it around the existing wick, then gently press just the very bottom into the softened wax. If you are using a wooden wick, place it beside the old wick and push it deep down into the candle.
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Make a paper wick
If you're looking to rewick a candle, you can make a paper wick by tightly rolling up a scrap of paper. If the wick is completely covered in wax, it's best to replace it with a new wick.
To make a paper wick, start by rolling up a small piece of paper into a tight cylinder. You can use tweezers to hold the paper as you roll to get a tighter roll. The paper wick should be slightly longer than the original wick. Once you have your paper wick, dip it in wax to help it burn more slowly and evenly. You can melt some candle wax in a wax warmer or double boiler. Place the wax in a metal bowl or pot and sit it inside another pot of boiling water. Stir the wax frequently until it melts. Dip your paper wick in the melted wax and let it cool for about five minutes or until the wax hardens.
When you're ready to insert the new wick, use a lighter or hair dryer to soften the surface of the candle. You don't need to melt the wax, just heat it up so it starts to soften. This will make it easier to push the wick into the candle. If you're using a paper wick, wrap it around the existing wick and gently press the bottom into the softened wax.
You can also use a match as a makeshift wick. Break off the match head and stab the match into the wax next to the wick. The match will become a new wick and will burn well.
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Use a hairdryer to melt wax
If your candle's wick is buried under wax, you can use a hairdryer to melt the wax and expose the wick. First, place your candle on a candle warmer or double boiler to melt the top layer of wax. If you don't have access to these tools, a hairdryer will also do the trick. Set it to a low or medium heat setting and gently blow hot air onto the wax until it starts to soften.
Using a hairdryer to melt the wax around the wick is a quick and easy method. It is also a safer option than using an open flame, such as a lighter, to melt the wax. With a hairdryer, you can control the temperature and distance from the wax, reducing the risk of accidentally burning yourself or the surrounding area.
When using a hairdryer to melt candle wax, it is important to take certain precautions. Ensure that you are in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling excessive amounts of melted wax fumes. Additionally, be cautious not to overheat the wax, as this could cause it to ignite. Always keep the hairdryer moving and avoid holding it too close to the wax to prevent overheating.
Once the wax has softened, use a spoon or a butter knife to carefully scrape it away from the wick. Collect the excess wax and store it in a heat-safe container. This wax can be reused for various purposes, such as making new candles or creating custom, multicolour candles by mixing different wax colours.
After exposing the wick, you may need to replace it if it is too short or damaged. In this case, simply place a new wick next to the old one, ensuring that it is secured in place before lighting your candle again.
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Use a hot needle to poke through wax
If you want to rewick a candle, one method is to use a hot needle to poke through the wax. To do this, you will need a needle that can withstand heat, such as a crocheting needle, or a long nail. Heat up the needle, and then carefully poke it through the wax along the original wick. This will help to dig out the end of the wick and stand it up. This is a simple solution, as the original wick is already the correct size for the candle, so you don't have to guess the size of a replacement wick.
When heating the needle, ensure you use appropriate safety precautions, such as wearing heat-resistant gloves and protecting your hands and arms from any potential hot wax splatters. Additionally, be cautious not to overheat the needle, as it may become too hot to handle safely.
It is important to note that this method may not be suitable for all types of candles, especially those with thick wax or deeply buried wicks. In such cases, you may need to explore alternative methods, such as melting the wax or using a hair dryer to soften it, before attempting to remove the wick.
Using a hot needle to rewick a candle can be an effective technique, but it requires caution and attention to safety. Always ensure that you are working in a well-ventilated area and that you have the necessary protective equipment before beginning the process.
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Frequently asked questions
If your candle is in a glass jar, place it on a candle warmer to melt the wax. Once melted, insert a new wick and let the wax harden. If your candle is not in a jar, you will need to drill a hole for the new wick.
If your wick is too short, you can add a makeshift paper or wooden wick to burn off some of the wax. If you're using a paper wick, roll up a scrap of paper and dip it in wax, then wrap it around the existing wick.
If you don't have a replacement wick, you can use a match, a cotton ball, or a piece of paper.
Candle tunnelling occurs when a candle burns down the centre, leaving hard wax around the edges. To prevent this, make sure your wick is the correct size for your candle.
If your wick is covered in wax, use a spoon or a butter knife to carefully scrape away the wax. You can also use a lighter or a hairdryer to melt the wax and pour it into a separate container.
